Promising saponin-containing plants (family Caryophyllaceae) from the desert regions of southeastern Kazakhstan

Nadezhda Gemejiyeva, Valentina Mursaliyeva, Tlek Mukhanov

2026

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DOI 10.14258/pbssm.2026005
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

The flora of Kazakhstan is characterized by a rich diversity of useful plants containing various biologically active compounds, including saponins. The high biological activity of saponins and their protective role against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms make saponin-bearing plants promising sources for the development of domestic phyto products. The aim of this study was to identify promisingly saponin-containing plants of the family Caryophyllaceae in the desert regions of southeastern Kazakhstan as potential sources of plant raw materials to produce effective and safe domestic biological products. The objects of the study included promisingly saponin-containing species of the genera Acanthophyllum C. A. Mey. and Gypsophila L. (family Caryophyllaceae) and their natural populations. The family Caryophyllaceae in the flora of Kazakhstan comprises 224 species from 33 genera, among which 97 species from 22 genera have been found to contain saponins. The largest number of saponin-bearing species (about 79.4 %) is concentrated in seven leading genera of this family: Acanthophyllum C. A. Mey., Minuartia Loefl., Stellaria L., Cerastium Tourn. ex L., Dianthus L., Gypsophila L., and Silene L. Analysis of the distribution and habitats of species of the leading genera showed that representatives of the genera Acanthophyllum C. A. Mey. and Gypsophila L. grow in desert and steppe regions of Kazakhstan, including sandy areas, solonetz soils, steppes, sandy meadows, salt marshes, and fields. As a result of the study, five new localities of populations of promising saponin-containing plants of the family Caryophyllaceae were identified in the arid territories of southeastern Kazakhstan for the first time. A phytocoenotic characterization was provided, and a distribution map of these populations was compiled. It was established that native plant communities are subjected to anthropogenic pressure and excessive grazing load. For further monitoring and collection of plant material for phytochemical studies, two populations are considered the most promising: the Taukum population of G. paniculata and the population of A. pungens in the foothills of the Bala Bogety Mountains. Plant raw materials of Acanthophyllum C. A. Mey. and Gypsophila L. collected at different vegetation stages will allow the selection of promising sources with a high saponin amount.